(Editor's note: The Al Robles Living Library project honors Manilatown Activist Asuncion Panlibuton, whose long struggle for housing and community justice helped many in the Filipino community. Her work helped give rise to the rebuilding of the International Hotel on Kearny Street. In the words of Poet Al Robles, her heart was the heart of mabuhay. Tony Robles, Co-editor, POOR Magazine)

Asuncion BagunaPanlibuton, born November 5, 1924, died peacefully on December 13, 2011, in her ancestral hometown of Dao, Antique, Philippines.

Asun, as she was affectionately called, immigrated to San Francisco, California in 1959. She was a teacher and became a businesswoman and community activist in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles and Nice, CA. Guided by her prayers of “Dear Jesus, Help me to help those that need most your help…” she began the fight for decent, affordable senior housing in Manilatown, San Francisco – the International Hotel. As an advocate for quality long-term care, Asun organized the Filipino Residential Care Home Operators for statewide training, as well as owning care homes throughout California for over thirty years.

Passionate for social, justice and educational issues of immigrant Filipino families, she became co-founder of the Northern and Southern United Antiquenos of California. Asun was known to have helped countless immigrant families to live economically stable lives while she showed that “wealth is measured by the love, compassion and generosity given to others.”

Asun was preceded in death by her father HiginoBaguna, husband GregorioPanlibuton and son Gregory Panlibuton. She is survived by her children Annie Panlibuton-Barnes and Henry (Cynthia) Panlibuton, grandchildren Matthew (Lilli), Joseph and Sarah Barnes, Nicholas and Oliver Panlibuton and great-granddaughter Isabella Barnes.